Former mayor's chief of staff sentenced to prison

SPRINGFIELD - Anthony M. Ardolino, a former chief of staff for ex-Mayor Michael J. Albano, was sentenced today to a year in federal prison on conspiracy and tax fraud charges.

Ardolino, 37, had pleaded guilty on March 19 to one count of conspiracy and four counts of tax fraud.

Two co-defendants - Ardolino's brother, Chester J., a former Springfield police officer and Matthew Campagnari, an East Longmeadow bar owner and developer - were sentenced yesterday for tax fraud and conspiracy. Chester J. Ardolino received a one-year sentence and Campagnari received an 18-month sentence.

In a case that was spawned in the midst of the city's long-running public corruption probe, the charges stemmed from the Ardolinos' hidden ownership in the Civic Pub and Pour House.

The case involved unreported income and payments to employees under the table without paying taxes.

Ardolino's lawyer, Peter Murphy, argued unsuccessfully that his client be given home confinement and a fine instead of prison. U.S. District Court Judge Michael A. Ponsor set a fine of $10,000 for Anthony Ardolino. 
More details tomorrow in The Republican.